Virtual Run of Hanging Lake

“
A true treasure of Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake is one of Colorado's most popular trails.”

Overview

If approaching Hanging Lake via I-70 East, there is no eastbound return to I-70. If heading eastbound post run, you must head west on I-70, then turnaround in Glenwood to head east.

The Hanging Lake Rest Area parking lot fills up daily during the summer from 10am to 4pm. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip for quieter times, such as weekdays before 10am or after 4pm, or in the spring before Memorial Day or in the fall after Labor Day.

This 1.5 acre lake was formed by a geologic fault which caused the lake bed to drop away from the valley floor above. Water flows into the lake over Bridal Veil Falls. The lake edge is built up from dissolved carbonates which are deposited on the shore as the water flows over.

Hanging Lake is very popular; when the parking lot is full, you must exit and return another time. Parking on the entrance or exit ramps of I-70 is prohibited. Please obey all signs and closures; illegally parked vehicles may be towed.

Hanging Lake can also be accessed via the Glenwood Canyon recreation path. Visitors are encouraged to walk or ride their bike from Glenwood Springs or one of the other rest areas in the canyon.

Features: Lake — Views — Waterfall — Wildlife

Dogs: No Dogs

Need To Know

Observe posted rules and regulations; Hanging Lake is a fragile ecosystem. Help preserve the lake by following all posted directions at the parking area, on the trail, and at the lake.

Runner Notes

This trail is entirely too steep and/or crowded to run.

Description

This steep, scenic trail travels from the bottom of Glenwood Canyon up through Deadhorse Creek Canyon to Hanging Lake. Switchbacks wind their way up the canyon, accommodating the rise in elevation. Shortcutting these bends promotes erosion; please stay on the trail. In addition to the multiple switches, there are several rest stops along the way.

Some parts of the trail are rocky, especially in the beginning and at the end where it has steep stairs carved into the canyon cliff rock. The trail ends on a boardwalk around the lake.

This travertine lake is extremely sensitive, so special regulations apply. Please do not step off the boardwalk. There is a short offshoot from the trail before the boardwalk that leads to Spouting Rock where, for centuries, water has dissolved a passage through the limestone that exits out of a sheer cliff wall as a spectacular waterfall.